The Council was established by an Executive Order in 1972 by Governor John C. West. The Council promotes the health and well-being of South Carolinians of all ages by advancing the levels of physical activity and fitness.

Staff
The Council is composed of: 10 Members appointed by the Governor, 5 members representing the South Carolina Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity, and 3 members representing organizations with an interest in physical fitness and healthy lifestyles. Current organiza tions with an interest in members represent the SC Medical Association, Road Runners Clubs of America, and the Palmetto Conservation.

The South Carolina Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity was formed to bring about improved health and quality of life among all people in South Carolina by encouraging and facilitating increased participation in regular physical activity. They hope to unite the efforts of organizations, businesses, schools, and individuals who are concerned with promoting physical activity and health in all populations in our state. The Coalition is a tiered organization and members receive voting privileges based on the level of membership. Their objectives are:

• Advocacy - Working with decision makers to increase the levels of physical activity for South Carolinians.
  
• Communication/Education - using various media channels to disseminate culturally and age appropriate physical activity messages to South Carolinians.
  
• Training - providing training opportunities for individuals from various backrounds (professional and volunteer) such as workshops, conferences, volunteer, and internship opportunities.
  
• Local Support - supporting local efforts to promote physical activity across all areas of South Carolina.
  Council Projects
  In addition to serving as an advisor to the State on issues related to physical activity, providing vision and leadership to agencies and policy makers, the Governor's Council conducts several activities.
  
• The Council's slogan, "Family, Fun, and Fitness," stresses the importance of physical activity in family life.
  
• The annual awards program has been established by the Coucil to honor excellent physical activity programs and leaders.
  
• In collaboration with the SC Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity Walkable SC Committee, the Council participates in "Walk our Children to School Day" by actively promoting the event and funding mini-grants.
  
• "Promoting an Active South Carolina: A Conference on Physical Activity and Health," a training seminar on community-based physical activity initiaves, was held in 1997, 1998, and 2000. The conference will be held again on April 5 and 6, 2001.
  
• The Communications/Marketing Committe has produced an advocacy kit for physical education.
  
• The Council publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Fitness Connection.